02 Jul 2026
4 months ago
872 views
Foreign Minister Winston Peters will visit Singapore and Japan next week to strengthen New Zealand’s strategic partnerships and regional cooperation. In Singapore, he will engage with senior leaders to enhance collaboration under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and discuss regional challenges, while in Japan, he will meet political and business leaders to promote trade, investment, and defense cooperation. These visits aim to deepen ties, support security, and boost economic relations with key partners in the Asia-Pacific region.
02 Jul 2026
4 months ago
1087 views
Foreign Minister Winston Peters announced Andre van der Walt as the next Administrator of Tokelau, starting June 2026, coinciding with the centenary of New Zealand’s administration of Tokelau. The Administrator supports Tokelau’s government in service delivery, manages New Zealand-Tokelau relations, and oversees development initiatives including climate resilience, governance, and key sectors like education and health. Van der Walt brings experience from his previous roles as New Zealand’s High Commissioner to Kiribati and Deputy High Commissioner to Niue.
23 Jun 2026
4 months ago
906 views
Women hold 50.2 percent of public sector board and committee roles in New Zealand, maintaining representation above the government’s 50 percent target for the sixth consecutive year. Women also occupy 43.8 percent of board chair roles, a significant increase since 2015, supported by initiatives like the BoardConnector database, which connects over 1,100 experienced women with board opportunities. The government is actively collaborating with organizations to strengthen the pipeline of qualified women for governance roles and promote diverse, skilled candidates in both public and private sectors.
16 Jun 2026
4 months ago
957 views
The New Zealand Government has approved two-year extensions for five international NZDF deployments, involving over 100 personnel in peacekeeping, monitoring, and security missions across the Middle East and North Asia. These deployments include contributions to the United Nations Command in Korea, the Multinational Force and Observers in Egypt, Middle East maritime security, the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation, and North Korea sanctions monitoring. The extensions reflect New Zealand’s commitment to global security, regional stability, and ongoing collaboration with international partners.
15 Jun 2026
4 months ago
935 views
New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters welcomes the US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding as a crucial step toward reducing Middle East tensions and enhancing global economic stability. He highlights the serious impact of disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz on New Zealand and Pacific partners and supports efforts to safely reopen this vital maritime route. Peters emphasizes that dialogue and diplomacy are key to resolving conflicts and hopes the agreement leads to lasting regional peace.
11 Jun 2026
5 months ago
951 views
New Zealand and Timor-Leste have signed an updated Defence Cooperation Arrangement to strengthen their longstanding defence relationship, last reviewed 15 years ago. The agreement focuses on training, education, capacity building, humanitarian aid, disaster relief, maritime security, and expertise exchange. This updated arrangement reflects their shared commitment to ongoing cooperation and supports Timor-Leste's role as the newest ASEAN member.
07 Jun 2026
5 months ago
869 views
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale will visit New Zealand this week to meet with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and discuss bilateral cooperation. New Zealand values its longstanding partnership with Solomon Islands in areas such as education, economic development, fisheries, and policing. During the visit, Wale will be accompanied by key ministers and engage with New Zealand's Solomon Islands community.
06 Jun 2026
5 months ago
952 views
Prime Ministers Christopher Luxon and Anthony Albanese concluded their Annual Leaders’ meeting with a commitment to deepen cooperation and strengthen the Australia-New Zealand partnership, focusing on economic resilience, defense, and regional goals in the Indo-Pacific. They addressed fuel supply challenges and discussed enhancing trade, investment, and innovation amid geopolitical uncertainties. Luxon's visit also included talks on opportunities for New Zealand businesses related to the Brisbane 2032 Olympics before returning home.
04 Jun 2026
5 months ago
1152 views
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will visit Australia for the annual Australia-New Zealand Leaders’ Meeting and various bilateral and business engagements, including discussions with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on economic growth and regional cooperation. The visit aims to strengthen trans-Tasman trade, investment, and innovation, with additional meetings involving Queensland officials and the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Committee to explore opportunities for New Zealand businesses. Luxon emphasizes the importance of close collaboration with Australia amid global uncertainties and will travel from tomorrow until Saturday.
02 Jun 2026
5 months ago
925 views
The Local Government Minister Simon Watts announced that only elected councillors will have voting rights on council committees to enhance democratic accountability, amending the Local Government Act 2002 accordingly. Non-elected members, such as iwi representatives and youth appointees, can still provide advice but will not have voting rights or count towards quorums, except for statutory committees and appointments under other Acts. These changes, included in the Local Government (System Improvements) Bill, will take effect after councils review their delegations within six months of the law’s passage.
02 Jun 2026
5 months ago
985 views
New Zealand, alongside partners like Australia and the EU, has imposed travel bans on three extremist Israeli settlers involved in expanding illegal West Bank settlements through violence. Foreign Minister Winston Peters emphasized that these bans target individuals destabilizing the region and do not reflect opposition to the Israeli people or government. New Zealand reaffirms its stance that settlement expansion violates international law and continues to support a negotiated two-state solution for lasting peace.
01 Jun 2026
5 months ago
919 views
Foreign Minister Winston Peters met with Polynesian leaders in Samoa during the Independence Day commemorations to discuss regional challenges, including the impact of Middle East conflicts on fuel supply and cost. New Zealand reaffirmed its support for the Pacific Islands in addressing the fuel crisis in coordination with partners like Australia, the US, and international financial institutions. Additionally, Peters emphasized the importance of securing a sustainable future for the Moana Pasifika rugby team, committing to urgent engagement with stakeholders to ensure its continued participation in Super Rugby.
01 Jun 2026
5 months ago
1286 views
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon praised the 178 recipients of the King’s Birthday Honours 2026 for their significant contributions to New Zealand, highlighting six individuals appointed as Knights and Dames Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit. Notable honorees include Sir Paul Baker for his expertise in paediatric anaesthesia, Sir Peter Boshier for his work in law and government transparency, Sir James Chapman for advancing literacy education, Sir David Ellis for contributions to the thoroughbred industry and philanthropy, Dame Susan Hassall for her impact in education and community development, and Dame Elizabeth Rata for her research in ethnic politics and bilingual curriculum. Luxon emphasized that these achievements have strengthened the nation and expressed pride and gratitude on behalf of New Zealand.
29 May 2026
5 months ago
1119 views
Foreign Minister Winston Peters will visit Samoa from May 31 to June 2 to participate in the 64th Independence Day celebrations and meet with key regional leaders. During his visit, he will attend official events and discuss important issues such as the fuel crisis, New Zealand’s aid program, and regional security with the Samoan Prime Minister, as well as leaders from Tonga and Tokelau. This visit underscores New Zealand’s strong friendship and commitment to the Pacific region.
28 May 2026
5 months ago
1055 views
New Zealand’s SuperGold card will be upgraded to include a photographic ID option, allowing seniors to use it as an official form of identification for accessing essential services. The government is investing $42.9 million to modernize the card, which will be available in physical and digital forms and remain free for those aged 65 and over. The rollout is expected to begin in October 2028, with interim options for photo ID available at AA offices.